Parliament is sovereign, no comprise to be made on principles: PM

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani while dispelling the impression that judges of the superior judges were restored through the long March, has said that Parliament is a sovereign institution and true representative of the people.

Addressing the Pakistani community in Brussels, he said the present government believes in the supremacy of constitution and law, and no comprise will be made on principles.

He said that conspiracies against democracy were hatched in every era and each dictator raised the slogan of elimination of corruption to derail the democratic government. However the international community and the Pakistani people want a sustainable democracy, he said adding that any unconstitutional and undemocratic step will not be supported.

The prime minister pointed out that the constitutional amendments introduced in the dictatorial rule have been done away with the 18th amendment. This is a unique example of the country’s history that no member of the parliament opposed the amendments, he said adding this proves that Parliament is sovereign.

Taking the credit of restoring the deposed judges, Mr. Gilani said that his executive order and not the long march reinstated the dismissed judges. The judges were restored for promotion of democracy, he said adding he himself faced imprisonment for the restoration of Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary and other judges. He said that the restoration of judges is a big achievement of his government.

He said that Pervez Musharraf orchestrated the National Reconciliation Ordinance but he is moving freely. The media should standby democracy. For nine years we tolerated an undemocratic government and now an elected government should be given time. He maintained that they have not come into power through back doors rather the people have elected them.

He said that the present government would complete its mandated term. The prime minister said that the Pakistani community living abroad would be given a right to vote.